Have you ever wondered what would happen if one day bees could no longer find flowers? An ecological nightmare that could become reality in climate changes and habitat loss. But perhaps there is an emergency solution. In the vast fields of Washington state, inside simple wooden hives, a silent turning point is taking place: for the first time in history, colonies of bees They feed on a complete pollen substitute. It is the result of ten years of research conducted by Washington State University in collaboration with APIX Biosciences, a Belgian company specializing in insect nutrition. They have created something unthinkable until recently: a completely synthetic food substitute that allows bee colonies to survive even in the absence of their natural diet. A sort of nutritional “plan B” that could prove crucial in a future where natural pollination is increasingly threatened.
A “Protein Bar” for Pollinating Insects
The new food comes in the form of a dense, nutritious mush (see cover photo) that resembles an energy bar for athletes. It is placed directly inside the hive and contains a mix of nutrients, including sterols, vitamins and proteins, designed to mimic what bees normally collect from flowers.
The key ingredient is theisofucosterol, a plant steroid that, until now, had been overlooked in the study of bee nutrition. A surprising discovery, considering that it turned out to be essential for the survival of the colonies. Bees deprived of this compound showed reduced larval production and neurological damage, some even showed signs of paralysis and could barely walk.
This innovation could change the way honeybees are managed
He declared the Dr. Patrick Pilkington, CEO of APIX Biosciences, underlining the historical importance of this research for theapiculture. Until this study, in fact, bees were the only farm animals that could not be maintained for long periods with artificial nutrition. Of course, bees can temporarily feed without pollen, taking only sugars, yeast, protein flours, but without pollen the health of the colony worsens, the brood decreases and long-term survival is at risk.
Field tests show promising results
To test the effectiveness of their food, the researchers they conducted two large-scale experiments. The first in a controlled environment, where the colonies had no access to natural food sources. The second one took place during the commercial pollination cycle of blueberries and sunflowers, two crops notoriously deficient in pollen quality. In both cases, bee colonies fed the new complete diet continued to thrive, while those fed standard commercial diets or no supplements at all struggled, some even collapsing completely.
A solution for a system in crisis?
For beekeepers, the implications are immediate. Pollinating blueberry fields, for example, is a notoriously “punishing” activity for bees.
Some beekeepers no longer pollinate blueberries because the colonies are suffering or dying and pollination fees do not cover the losses.
Has explained Brandon Hopkins, co-author of the study and pollinator ecologist at the WSUs.
The mortality of bee colonies in Europe is very variable (from 3,5% to 33,6% in Northern European countries. In Italy the average rate of winter losses is equal to 18,5%). in the United States remains unsustainably high, with loss rates around 60% in recent years. Habitat destruction, extreme weather events, and pesticides all play a role, but nutrition is a major stressor.
APIX and WSU are now preparing the product for a launch in the United States: it is scheduled for 2026. A news that could bring some hope to a sector that has been severely tested by years of difficulties. The discovery was published on Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
